Eagle Updates
September 26, 2021
In this Issue:
- From Mrs. Barry
- Reserved Parking Spaces
- Parent Night - October 6th - Literacy at MWE
- Meadow Wood Garden
- Bike Safety
- Breakfast Daily
- Lost & Found
- News from the Library
- GT? Should I refer my child?
- Odyssey of the Mind
- iTunes Cards Needed
- Calendar of MWE Events
PTA Corner:
- From the President
- BBQ Buddies
- Opportunities for Involvement
- Reflections Contest
- Redemptions
- Yearbooks on Sale NOW!
- Yearbook Cover Art Contest
From Mrs. Barry:
I love to read. I mean, I REALLY love to read. Though I prefer mysteries and historical fiction, I will consume anything I can get my hands on. I even like reading the old magazines out the doctor's office! My son is also an avid reader (he prefers science fiction, which I don't care for), and the two of us can spend all day immersed in books.
My husband and daughter, on the other hand, do NOT like to read. For them, reading is arduous and somewhat painful. My husband has recently found a series he likes, but he has yet to finish even the first book. My daughter reads what she needs to for school, but that's it.
One of campus - and district - priorities is literacy. Regardless if our students like to read or not, we need to ensure that they are on grade level and have the tools to be successful readers, now and in the future. Our teachers have spent weeks assessing each student's reading proficiency level and developing a plan for making them stronger readers.
To help you understand our reading curriculum at MWE, and what you can do to support your child at home, our first Parent Night this year will focus on Literacy. Our Literacy Instructional Specialist, Jacque Pollpeter, will go over what we teach and we teach it. She will discuss what exactly a "reading level" means, and how you can support your child at home. I hope you join us for this very important informational session.
Life is good at Meadow Wood!
Reserved Parking Spaces
Please be mindful of our reserved parking spaces in front of the school. No matter how long or little you plan to stay, please do not park in the spaces that are individually awarded as part of our annual PTA fundraising campaign.
Parent Night - October 5th - Literacy at MWE
The session will begin at 6 p.m. in the library. We hope to see you there!
Meadow Wood Garden
The Meadow Wood Garden is planted with various plants, herbs and flowers! Melissa Melancon (first grader, Sophia) has worked many hours prepping our garden for this school year.
We hope you can take a look at the plants when you are in the building sometime. Contact Melissa if you have time to help us maintain this awesome learning space.
Melissa Melancon
Bike Safety
Please help us keep our bike riders safe!! Recently, a parent witnessed a student nearly getting hit by a car. Thankfully, the driver was paying attention and slammed on his brakes. Memorial Drive is a very busy street with fast drivers. It is imperative that our students walk their bikes across the street AND while on campus. Please remind your child to cross ONLY with the crossing guard and to stay within the crosswalk. Below is an excerpt from our handbook stating the expectations of all our bike riders.
Students biking to school should bring a lock to secure their bicycles while on campus. Bicycle racks are located at the front and back of the school. Once bike riders arrive on MWE school grounds, they must walk their bikes to the rack. Local legislation requires bike helmets for all children under the age of 18. Our crossing guard is on duty at the light at Memorial Drive and Clear Springs from 7:30 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. and 2:55 p.m. - 3:55 p.m. each day.
Breakfast Daily at MWE
All MWE students are welcome to eat breakfast in the cafeteria. This year school breakfast and lunches are free. Please make sure your student has a good breakfast at home OR arrives on time to eat a hearty breakfast here at school. Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 7:50. If you would like your child to eat breakfast at MWE, please ensure he/she is here in time to eat and get to class on time. Thank you for helping our students start the day off right being on time and ready to learn.
Lost & Found
We have a new set up for our Lost & Found. We have racks for hanging clothes set up just outside the cafeteria. (Thank you, PTA!!) There are also some buckets for water bottles and smaller items. Please check this area for your students' items when you are in the building for lunch or volunteering. Please remember to label all your students' items. Thank you!
News from the Library
Virtual Author Visits
Second and Third Grade, do you want to get a copy of Thanks for Nothing! or Norman Didn’t Do It! by @RyanT_Higgins? The fabulous @BlueWillowBooks has you covered! Be sure to use this link to order your copy: https://www.bluewillowbookshop.com/virtual-visits-ryan-higgins! #SBISD_readers
Fourth and Fifth Grade, do you want to get a copy of Ambassador of Nowhere, Texas by Kimberly Willis Holt? The fabulous @BlueWillowBooks has you covered! Be sure to use this link to order your copy: https://www.bluewillowbookshop.com/virtual-visit-kimberly-willis-holt!
Kinder and First Grade, do you want to get a copy of I’m Sorry by @inkyelbows? The fabulous @BlueWillowBooks has you covered! Be sure to use this link to order your copy: https://www.bluewillowbookshop.com/virtual-visit-debbie-ridpath-ohi
GT? Should I refer my child for gifted & talented services?
This community awareness and informational meeting will provide parents with information about Spring Branch ISD Gifted and Talented (GT) services and the characteristics of GT students.
Weather Delay, New Date: Tuesday, September 28 6:00–7:00 pm
Zoom: https://springbranchisd.zoom.us/j/91303303579
Meeting ID: 913 0330 3579
Passcode: advanced
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Please note, you are not required to attend this meeting to refer your child for GT evaluation. Bookmark the GT Parent Referral Form which will be available on-line starting September 15th.
This form must be completed and submitted by October 22nd. For additional information about the referral process and GT services, click here. For questions, please contact Linda.Bimler@springbranchisd.com
¿Debería referir a mi hijo/a al programa de estudiantes Dotados y Talentosos (GT)?
Esta junta brindará información acerca del programa Dotados y Talentosos a los padres de los estudiantes del Distrito Escolar Independiente de Spring Branch.
Es una junta para informar a los padres acerca del programa.
Martes 28 de Septiembre 6:00-7:00 pm
Zoom: https://springbranchisd.zoom.us/j/91303303579
Meeting ID: 913 0330 3579
Passcode: advanced
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
No tiene que asistir a esta junta para referir a su hijo/a al programa de estudiantes Dotados y Talentosos. Hable con la consejera si tiene preguntas o necesita ayuda llenando la referencia. Complete la referencia electrónico antes del 22 de octubre.
Odyssey of the Mind - Info Night 10/6
Please join us for an OM Info Night Wednesday, October 6 at 6PM in the Meadow Wood cafeteria. Mary Hoffman will join us to tell us all about her experience with OM and we’ll discuss our plans for Odyssey of the Mind at Meadow Wood.
Odyssey of the Mind is a national program where kids are challenged to use teamwork, creativity, and self-confidence working in teams to solve problems. You can read more about the program here: https://www.odysseyofthemind.com
If you are interested in having your child participate or have questions, please contact Lora at: loraushook@gmail.com or (832) 647-7227. Teams will be formed based on grades and interest and will meet after school hours.
iTunes Cards Needed
Dear Meadow Wood Families,
Each morning we LOVE to wake our students up to energetic, joyful music. Our playlist has been on repeat for many years and we are in need of some updated tunes. If you have any iTunes gift cards you would like to donate for morning music, we would truly be grateful for making the beginning of our day even better!
Thanks,
Mrs. McCracken
MWE Calendar of Events
September 28
Author Visit - Debbie Ridpath (K-2)
CIT Meeting - 3:30 p.m., Library
September 29
Hands on Science 5th Grade
Cub Scout Game Night - 6-8 p.m., Cafeteria
September 30
Author Visit - Kimberly Wills Holt (4th & 5th)
October 1
Hands on Science - 1st
October 4
Watch DOGS begin
October 5
Parent Night - Literacy at MWE - 6 p.m., Library
October 6
MWE Odyssey of the Mind Informational Meeting - 6 p.m., Cafeteria
October 8
Student Holiday
October 11
Student/Staff Holiday
October 13
Walk to School Day
5th Grade Class Picture
PTA Meeting - 9 a.m., Cafeteria
October 14
Early Dismissal - 12:00 Noon
Parent Conferences
October 15
Early Dismissal - 12:00 Noon
Parent Conferences
Stratford vs. Memorial Game - wear green to support our Spartans!
October 21
Hands on Science - Kinder and 4th Grade
October 22
CARNIVAL
October 25-29
Red Ribbon Week
October 25
Individual Picture Day
October 26
CIT Meeting - 3:30 p.m., Library
October 27
Hands on Science - 5th Grade
October 28
Hands on Science - 3rd Grade
October 29
Pre-K/Kinder Storybook Character Parade - 8:15 a.m., Cafeteria
From the President
MWE Carnival – Friday, October 22 at 4pm
It's happening! Our first school event with parents, kids, new families, future Meadow Wood Families. All are welcome. If you haven't attended the carnival in the past, you will want to put the date on your calendar. It is fun for all ages of kids.
Online ticket sales are LIVE 9/1-9/29 through MKT,
https://meadowwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/159484. Amounts 25, 40, 50, 75, 100 packs of tickets. All students will receive 5 free tickets, sent home in their folders the week of the carnival. Pre-Sales tickets will have the opportunity to get extra tickets for free, so take advantage of buying this month. After 9/29, tickets may be purchased at the door only.
Questions?
Heather Attaway 832-571-8184
Elizabeth Shaw 832-316-7247
MWE BBQ BUDDIES
Opportunities for Involvement at MWE
Please see the following ways you can jump in and be involved at MWE.
If you are volunteering on campus you MUST complete this background check:
https://volunteer.springbranchisd.com/
MWE Milers
Let’s get moving!!!
Milers takes place every Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Anyone is welcome to come out at 7:30am before school starts (meet on the MWE playground). We will jog, walk and stretch. We will finish up before the bell at 7:50am. The kids get their energy out, grab a healthy snack, and start their day with some activity. This is for 1st-5th graders but siblings are welcome, too. All free for the kids! Parents encouraged to join in.
Come move with us! 🏃🏼♀️🏃🏽🏃♂️
Questions/comments/ideas contact Alli Brickley: 512-571-7400
Library Volunteers
Come volunteer in the library! Sign up for a day and come at your preferred time. Volunteers can work for however long they want, we just ask that you commit to a minimum of 30 minutes that day. Email Mrs. McCracken to let her know your preferred time- kathryn.mccracken@springbranchisd.com. If you have other questions reach out to Jordan.bohrer@gmail.com.
Check out the available times here: https://meadowwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/80914?d=2021-10-01
Project Study
It’s Project Study Time! Teachers, staff and parents, do you have a “wish” for your class, or grade? The PTA funds a program called Project Study every fall. The Project Study program provides an opportunity for any school faculty, staff, or other PTA member to request funding from the PTA for a project that will benefit the school and our children in some unique way. These items include but are not limited to: teacher and instructional materials, classroom equipment, PTA-sponsored programs, technology, campus beautification, and donations to appropriate organizations. To learn more, go to MTK and look under programs: Meadow Wood Elementary PTA - Project Study (membershiptoolkit.com)
Questions? Contact Holly Saunders at hublerh@hotmail.com.
Odyssey of the Mind
After several years, we are excited to announce that MWE PTA is bringing back OM! Odyssey of the Mind is a national program where kids are challenged to use teamwork, creativity, and self-confidence working in teams to solve problems. You can read more about the program here: https://www/odysseyofthemind.com
Lora Shook will be the contact. If you are interested in learning more about the program, or having your child participate, please contact Lora at: loraushook@gmail.com or (832) 647-7227. Teams will be formed based on grades and interest and will meet after school hours.
Motor Lab
We are excited MWE has a MOTOR LAB! Motor lab uses physical activities through science driven developmental exercises that supports the link of movement to enhanced academic performance. Kids will bounce, stomp and spin their way through a 20-minute motor lab class. Students in all grades will get to experience the motor lab class.
In order to make this a successful program, we need volunteers! If you would like to see your student in action, please consider volunteering. Contact Katy Wood at katy.wood@yahoo.com if you are interested or need more information. Look for more information to come in September.
MTK (Membership Toolkit)
If you haven’t already, please check out the PTA website at: https://meadowwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com. MTK has lots of information about programs, events, and answers to questions you may have. Please remember, if you would like to purchase a birthday marquee to wish your student a happy birthday this school year, the deadline to do so is October 15.
Kelly Williams
(504) 756-2440
National PTA Reflections Competition
Meadow Wood PTA is proud to be participating in the 2021-2022 National PTA Reflections competition once again this year. We are excited to welcome entries from our very creative and talented student body. Students of all ages and abilities are able to participate and showcase their own creative works. We highly encourage our Eagles to enter. The theme for this year is "I Will Change the World By..."
Entries due by 11/4/2021. Please check the PTA website for more information. If you have any questions please reach out to Kate Zost Katemzost@gmail.com
Redemptions
As you are thinking of ordering labels for your kids' items, consider using Mabel's Labels. Meadow Wood gets 20% back of all purchases when you "Support a Fundraiser" and type in Meadow Wood Elementary. www.mabelslabels.com
Yearbooks on Sale NOW!
How to order:
● Go to www.balfour.com
● Click “Shop My School” and type in “Meadow Wood Elementary”
● Follow the prompts to order your yearbook.
● OR Scan here →
Save the Date! Deadline to order at the early-bird price ($30.00) is OCTOBER 31, 2021. Price increases on November 1, and will be available until sell-out (but don’t wait!)
GOT PHOTOS? Our MWE Yearbook depends on parent and teacher contributions! Please send photos to MWEYearbook21@gmail.com throughout the year to help us include a variety of photos into the yearbook. Thank you!
5th Grade Parents: You have the option to purchase a 5th grade dedication ad when ordering your yearbook. This will show at the bottom of the page once you have entered your student info. (Click the 1/18 page ad icon) Once you have purchased your book and ad, you will receive an email with instructions to log-in and create your ad. Submission deadline will be in early spring.
Yearbook Cover Art Contest
We are inviting ALL MWE students to enter their drawings for our yearbook cover contest. One winner’s drawing will be selected to be displayed on the front cover of our 2021-2022 yearbook! {All entries will be included in the yearbook}
ALL ENTRIES MUST:
● Include the words “Meadow Wood Elementary”
● Include the year “2021-2022” ● Incorporate this year’s theme: “LIFE IS GOOD AT MEADOW WOOD”
● Include your first and last name on the back of the drawing
SUBMIT ART ON:
● 8.5 x 11 sheet of white paper
● Vertical orientation
TIPS FOR A GREAT ENTRY:
● Use lots of color, including in the background
● MIx up your medium (crayons, watercolors, markers, etc.)
● Use up your entire sheet of paper
● Be creative and have fun with the theme!
Questions? Contact Samantha Colquitt: samantha.s.colquitt@gmail.com or Glenna Vickers: glennavickers@gmail.com All entries must be submitted by FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8th to either your teacher or the front office, with the completed form attached below.